Maine students protest climate change in Portland

Students in Maine, and beyond, walked out of their classrooms to protest what they call “global inaction on climate change.” (WGME)

PORTLAND (WGME) -- Students in Maine, and beyond, walked out of their classrooms to protest what they call “global inaction on climate change.”

One group packed the steps of city hall in Portland, calling for state leaders to confront climate change.

A 12-year-old at the event said it's her generation that she believes will face the consequences if nothing is done.

“We're here because time is running out,” Anna Siegal of Youth Climate Strikes said. “We have less than 12 years to get our act together and deal with carbon emissions. We have to put the brakes on climate change before it gets worse."

Similar rallies were held all around the world.

In all, tens of thousands of students in more than 100 countries and 1,500 cities and towns were expected to participate.